A Douglas County man was arrested on an aggravated child molestation charge after federal investigators shared evidence from an ongoing child-exploitation case with local deputies, the sheriff’s office said.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on Monday after reviewing child sexual abuse material that investigators said showed a man abusing a child with ties to Douglas County, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Deputies identified the child and suspect
After receiving the material and investigative details from the FBI, Douglas County investigators said they identified the child and named Robert Burford, a registered sex offender who lives in the county, as the suspect.
Deputies obtained an arrest warrant charging Burford with aggravated child molestation and a search warrant for his home. Investigators said evidence found during the search appeared to match items visible in the material supplied by federal agents.
Burford was taken into custody and booked into the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office jail.
The investigation is continuing
Authorities have not released the child’s age or identity. The sheriff’s office also has not said whether additional victims have been identified.
Officials said additional charges are possible. The current charge is an allegation and does not establish guilt.
